Update on Biotin: What You Need to Know

We’ve received many questions and concerns about Biotin and a recent FDA warning about lab test interference. Medical jargon and FDA warnings sometimes have an unnecessary “scare factor”, and the most important thing is for you to be educated on what you’re putting in your body.

So, lets break it down:

Biotin, aka Vitamin B7, is a water soluble vitamin commonly found in hair, skin and nail branded over the counter supplements. Biotin is essential for protein synthesis and cellular replication. Too little biotin can result in skin rashes, hair loss and even things like loss of appetite and nausea.

Recently, researchers have found that taking high doses of Biotin can cause false results from several types of blood tests including some tests that measure heart, hormone and thyroid levels and this resulted in a recent warning published by the FDA.

Do you need to be afraid of taking Biotin? No! Taking Biotin can significantly help improve the strength and growth of your nails and hair and taking these supplements has not been found to have any significant side effects.

What is very important for you to do is to make sure that ALL of your medical care professionals know all of the medications, including vitamins like Biotin, that you are taking. If you are having your blood drawn for any reason, it is essential to have this information so that you can take a break from your Biotin, or any other medications or vitamins, to alleviate risk for incorrect lab results.